Governor Lincoln Chafee announces that President Obama has approved Rhode Island's amended request for a disaster declaration and for public assistance for Kent County.
"Federal, state, and local government worked hard and coordinated effectively to gather information and get Rhode Island's request completed quickly," said Governor Lincoln Chafee. "I am grateful for the President's swift approval and his commitment to helping Rhode Island's recovery efforts."
This designation means that eligible municipalities, state agencies, and non-profits of these three counties are eligible to apply for repair to storm-damaged buildings or infrastructure or for projects to mitigate effects for future damage from similar storms.
"All of our field teams and administrative staff have been working very hard," said Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Theresa C. Murray. "The cost to repair any storm-related damage had to be documented and calculated. Our goal is to get as much assistance for Rhode Island as possible."
Public assistance is requested by a municipality, state agency, or non-profit. Applicants prepare and submit an official request for determination of eligibility from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
To download a Request for Public Assistance form, visit http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2690
Preliminary Disaster Assessment field teams continue to visit Rhode Island communities and estimate damage costs.